Albayalde says DOJ ruling gives him chance to clear his name

January 17, 2020

Former Philippine National Police chief  General Oscar Albayalde on Friday said he finally has the chance to clear his name after he was dragged over the 2013 Pampanga drug raid involving alleged “ninja cops” which caused him to relinquish his post before he retired.

In a statement, Albayalde said “Finally, I will have my day in court”.

“I welcome this development as the chance to once and for all clear my name in the proper forum,” he said.

“My conscience remains clear and I am confident that the truth will bear me out in the end,” Albayalde added.

The Department of Justice on Thursday released its finding on the ''ninja cops'' who violated police operations during a 2013 drug raid when Albayalde was provincial director of Pampanga.

In a resolution, government prosecutors found the former general did not implement an order "which sought to penalize the police officers involved in the questioned drug operation."

"The Panel found probable cause to charge Albayalde with violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations in connection with the official duties of the latter, and for causing any undue injury to any party, including the government," the DOJ said in a statement.

The panel of prosecutors' findings against Albayalde will be endorsed to the Office of the Ombudsman.

In separate statement, the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said they respect the DOJ’s resolution. Ella Dionisio/DMS